Why does Lenz's law have a minus sign?

The minus sign shows that the direction of induced current always opposes the change that created it. So when certain metals are cropped through say a copper tube they slow down. Show video of Lenz's law in action. The current is induced in the opposite direction to ensure that energy is conserved and not created from nothing.
When pushing a magnet into a coil, if you push the North pole towards the coil first then a North pole is induced in the coil to repel the magnet. The magnet is slowed down and repelled by the coil, the kinetic energy here is dissipated as heat.

JJ
Answered by Joseph J. Physics tutor

2204 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the minimum height of a hill, so a ball of mass m falling from it can go through a loop of radius R?


An electron is emitted from a cathode in an electron gun, with a potential difference of 150kV. Find the velocity of the electron after it is accelerated and find the De Broglie wavelength.


How am I going to remember all of the particles I need to know? (A-level Physics)


A ball is kicked from a tower (50m) at a speed of 20m/s. How far away does the ball hit the ground?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning